John Hancock VP Linda Watters Named To Bowling Green State University Academy Of Distinguished Alumni

Recognition for Contributions in Professional Field and Philanthropy; Highest Honor from University

BOSTON, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Linda D. Watters, vice president of Government Relations at John Hancock Financial, was recently named to the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Academy of Distinguished Alumni for significant contributions in her professional field and her philanthropic endeavors. The award, established in 2011, is the highest honor bestowed by the University.

"Linda has done much to make BGSU proud," said David Glass, chair of the BGSU Alumni Board of Directors. "Her work and service are outstanding examples of how to live a life of meaning."

In her current role at John Hancock, Watters primarily focuses on state legislative and regulatory concerns, as well as the company's relationship with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Prior to joining John Hancock, she was a managing director for financial risk management at the Chicago offices of KPMG, one of the largest professional services networks in the world and among the Big Four auditors.

Between 2003 and 2007, Watters served as commissioner in the Office of Financial and Insurance Services for the State of Michigan. She also was the founder, president and chief executive officer of Detroit Commerce Bank from 1998 to 2003.

Watters' volunteer efforts have included board membership and other involvement with The Boston Club, the Middlesex County (MA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, the School of Business Administration at the University of Dayton, the National Black MBA Foundation, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Detroit Downtown Development Authority.

In 2005 and 2007, Watters was named one of Crain's Detroit Business 100 Most Influential Women in metropolitan Detroit.

Watters graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. For more on Linda Watters, click here for a video prepared by BGSU for the award ceremony.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, John Hancock celebrates 150 years of serving clients across the United States, while Manulife celebrates its 125 th anniversary. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$514 billion ( US$504 billion) as at June 30, 2012. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

Long-term care insurance is underwritten by John Hancock Life Insurance Company ( U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02117 (not licensed in New York) and in New York by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, Boston, MA 02117.